Web Search Tools

Subject Directories generally involve human selection: the websites included in a directory usually have been examined, selected, and categorized by someone, often an "expert." The categories in a subject directory are hierarchically organized. In general, one finds fewer hits in a subject directory, but the hits tend to be more on target. Directories are useful when browsing for information about a general subject. Start with a likely broad subject or topic, then drill down through the subtopics. A few subject directories to try:
Search Engines are more comprehensive than subject directories. In general, a search in a search engine yields many, many more hits than one finds using a subject directory--but often, many of the hits are not as relevant. The indexing in search engines is done by computer--electronic "spiders." Search engines are useful when searching for specific information--not browsing. A few search engines to try:

Library Online Databases

Accuweather
Weather
Bartelby
Great books online
Des Moines School Library Catalog
All Des Moines School libraries
Des Moines Register
Local Newspaper
Ebsco
Magazine and newspaper articles
Username: dsm11 Password: aea11
Iowa Online
Heartland AEA resource
NoveList
Good book lists
World Book Online
Encyclopedia


Referencing Print and Electronic Sources Referencing Print and Electronic Sources

Bibliographies and Works Cited pages in MLA (Modern Language Association) Format
Download a printable version of the MLA Stylesheet

Great Websites

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/education/

http://www.kidshealth.com/teen/

http://www.iptv.org/iowapathways/

http://www.iptv.org/teen/

http://merriam-webster.com/

http://inventors.about.com/library/bl/bl12.htm

http://www.issues.abc-clio.com/

http://www.ipl.org/div/teen/browse/sh5300/

http://highschoolace.com/ace/ace.cfm

Free Educational "Stuff"


Audio Links


How Obama used the Web and Empowered Volunteers - listen about 7 minutes.